Colours do not just satisfy an aesthetic function in our day-to-day lives, they also embody symbolic characteristic that hold meaning to a variety of different people across the world. These meanings differ across cultures and social backgrounds. Palettes and shades can affect our consciousness and influence our mood, which is why the choice of colour is such a crucial decision in interior design. In light of Valentine’s Day being celebrated today, i would like to share more about the different colors representing the concept of love around the world, and how they can be applied in our living spaces no matter where you reside.
Red
When we think of love, most people would think the colour that represents it universally is red. This is in-fact a popular opinion that is shared by many cultures around the world. In western countries such as France and US, red is thought to be the colour that represents love and passion because it is the colour of blood. However, just as it represents the fiery passion of life, it can also symbolize danger because of that same association. In eastern countries such as China and India, red represents love, luck and fertility. Due to the auspicious note that the colour red signifies, many people in Asian countries love to use red in celebratory occasions. Dulux ‘French Stripe Red’ is a great example of a rouge shade that adds character and a sense of allure to a home, even when used in accents.
Orange
Another colour that is said to symbolize love is orange. However, this is an opinion mostly held by Eastern countries like China and Japan. The vibrancy of this colour is why the Easterners feel that it represents happiness, love and courage. This is also why the Chinese sometimes use orange coloured red packets for their Chinese New Year celebrations because it has similar positive associations as the colour red. Dulux ‘Orange Bitters’ creates a bright and inviting backdrop for the modern living room.
Blue
Blue is a colour that represents love in India. It represents the heavens, love, truth, mercy, and strength. The colour also has religious associations to Hinduism as blue is strongly associated with Krishna, the Hindu god who embodies love and divine joy. Hence, blue is a rather sacred colour to the Indians. Dulux ‘Pure Blue’ is a great hue that can add a mellow calmness to any area in your home. It can also be paired with most furniture arrangements and décor styles.
Pink
Lastly, pink is sometimes used as the colour to represent young love. Due to the elegance of the lighter shade, it is used to symbolise romance, femininity, tenderness is Western countries. Dulux Romantic Pink is the perfect shade for little girl’s rooms. It is an inspiring colour to use in any interior, especially in living spaces which families frequent.
Colours have meaningful symbolism behind them and it is always good to know what choice of colour would be best and suited for your home. At AkzoNobel, colour is at the essence of what we do, and we are constantly looking at new ways to continue on our path towards innovative and sustainable living environments for all.
FAQs
Red & Pink
What colours represent in different cultures? ›
Love is symbolized by green in Japan, red and purple in China, Korea, Japan, and the US. Unluckiness is symbolized by red in Chad, Nigeria, and Germany. Luckiness is symbolized by red in China, Denmark, and Argentina. The traditional bridal color is red in China and white in the US.
What colors symbolize love? ›
Red. The colour most commonly associated with love, it makes sense to have this one up top.
What are the 7 colors of love and their meanings? ›
Enjoy reading.
- Red Love (Heart) This is also referred to as "Love of the Heart", meaning. ...
- Blue Love 💙 (Head) This is also referred to as a "Romeo and Juliet" type of. ...
- Yellow Love 💛 (Conditional) ...
- Green Love 💚 (Godhead) ...
- Purple Love 💜 (Head&Heart) ...
- Brown Love (Chocolate) ...
- Grey Love (Mutual Love)
Red: Red is associated with passion, love, and lust. It can also be associated with warnings and danger, or even with anger (hence the term “seeing red”). Red can have a physiological impact on people, too, including raising respiration and heart rate.
What does purple mean in culture? ›
The color purple is generally associated with royalty, luxury, nobility, power, and ambition. Purple is also used to represent creativity, extravagance, dignity, grandeur, independence, pride, peace, mystery, and magic. "
What colors represent diversity? ›
What do the colors of the diversity flag mean? All colors in the flag have meaning. They include hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and purple for the spirit.
What color is real love? ›
In western countries such as France and US, red is thought to be the colour that represents love and passion because it is the colour of blood.
What is the most love color? ›
Yet a new YouGov survey conducted in 10 countries across four continents shows that one color – blue – is the most popular across the board.
What is the color of pure love? ›
Pink flowers signify pure love or innocent love and are also associated with perfect love. Like the red colors, the deeper the pink, the more powerful the message. For example, a deep purple flower represents passionate, eternal love.
The color pink is the color of universal love of oneself and of others. Pink represents friendship, affection, harmony, inner peace, compassion, nurturing and approachability. Both red and pink represent love. The color red represents heat and passion, while the color pink represents romance and charm.
What color symbolizes marriage? ›
Blue represents fidelity and loyalty across many cultures, especially when it comes to marriage and love.
What color represents unconditional love? ›
Pink Represents
Unconditional love: Pink relates to both unconditional love and romantic love. Compassion: Empathy and understanding are the fuel for pink nurturing. Nurturing: Pink is both the giving and the receiving of love, understanding and respect. Hope: Pink inspires the possibility of a positive outcome.
Which color symbolizes love? ›
Red is a powerful colour that elicits powerful emotions and is connected with love, passion, and desire. It is the colour of roses, the symbol of love, and it has been used to show love and devotion on Valentine's Day for generations.
What is the color of affection? ›
Red is also a color of passion. Nothing says love like painting a wall bright red on Valentine's Day for your sweetheart, as seen in Figure 1.1, “Red, the color of affection (two gallons of it!)”.
What color represents love and compassion? ›
Pink is associated with compassion, nurturing, love, and romance. Soft pink is considered feminine and youthful, while deep pink is associated with passion and energy. Physiologically, pink calms us, alleviating feelings of anger and aggression. Pink evokes feelings of hope, sweetness, and understanding.
Do different cultures see colors differently? ›
Different cultures divide up colors in ways that seem odd or counterintuitive to others. They may group hues together because they are perceived as gendered—or some other way of sorting the world. They may put more emphasis on saturation or brightness over hue.
What do different colors represent? ›
Red: Passion, Love, Anger. Orange: Energy, Happiness, Vitality. Yellow: Happiness, Hope, Deceit. Green: New Beginnings, Abundance, Nature.
What do colors represent in Japanese culture? ›
In Japan, there are only four colors to be considered primary, pure, and genuine. White is a color of purity and represents truth, humility, and mourning. Black is associated with formality as well as mourning. Red is symbolic of the sun and is linked to authority, strength, sacrifice, joy, and happiness.
What do different colors mean in African culture? ›
Black: spiritual energy and maturity, as well as funeral rites and mourning. Blue: love, harmony, togetherness and peace. Maroon: healing, plus the colour of Mother Earth. Purple: normally worn by women, associated with femininity. Pink: also represents feminine qualities, including mildness.
